Cool Kids Drink Rooibos

From the mountainous Cederberg region 250 km to the north of Cape Town.

Rooibos is just beautiful in its vibrantly red colour and it isn’t only refreshing served hot, but also makes a tasty iced tea. A good, healthy alternative to soft drinks on hot summer days.

Good Things To Know About Rooibos

How to say it

Rooibos (pronounced roy-boss or roy-bosh) which directly translates from the Afrikaans as red bush.

Why it's red

Although the bushes themselves are green and the leaves, that are quickly dried after picking, are sold as green rooibos; most rooibos that is consumed has a distinctive orange-red colour. It gives a sweeter taste that develops during the post-harvest “fermentation” (oxidation) process, brought about by natural enzymes in the plant.

It's a herb

Even though it is most often marketed as a tea, rooibos is actually an herb (Aspalathus linearis) and is a shrub-like bush with soft needle-like leaves grown in the western Cape of South Africa.

Caffeine Free

Rooibos tea is a completely caffeine-free infusion. A cup of rooibos just before going to bed can help you sleep better, and by removing caffeine from your diet, you can also improve your stress levels, mood, and heart health.

Naturally sweet

No need to add sugar or sweetener. Try rooibos on its own the first time and then if you prefer, add milk or sugar to taste.

Good for the heart

Containing quercetin, an antioxidant which has been linked to preventing a wide variety of heart conditions. It is anti-inflammatory, which reduces blood pressure, and it also scavenges free radicals like other antioxidants.(Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage the DNA in cells)

Chock full of essential minerals and vitamins

Including vitamin C, magnesium, calcium and fluoride; so good for bones and teeth.

A good source of antioxidants

Rooibos is high in antioxidants and is the only known source of a specifically beneficial and rare antioxidant called aspalathin, which is thought to play a role in combating several lifestyle diseases.

Low in tannin

Tannins are astringent, bitter-tasting plant polyphenols which can also prevent the absorption of iron and protein in your diet.

We sell great rooibos!

What to do with your rooibos

Well, you can make it similar as you would regular tea. One teaspoon per cup, boiling water, then brew your rooibos for at least five minutes. You cannot over–steep this tea (the longer the better). Try it on its own the first time and then if you prefer, add milk or sugar or honey to taste.

Rooibos Recipes

Blood Orange Slushie

Ingredients 2 cups water4 tsp Rooibos Blood Orange4 tsp sugar 2 tsp Grand Marnier - optional1 orange - you'll need both some peeled segments as well as some zestMethod Boil water, steep rooibos and sugar for 10 minutes, for maximum flavor. Strain and let cool then add some cut up orange pieces and some orange zest and the Grand Marnier if using, then pop in the freezer until slushy, but not frozen completely. Serve immediately. Serves: 2

Simple Summer Iced Rooibos

Make up a strong brew with a generous tablespoon of rooibos in a mug half filled with freshly boiled water, leave to cool down for ten minutes or so then strain into a large glass, add lots of ice and a slice. Not forgetting the straw!

Ginger & Vanilla Lollies

Brew up your vanilla rooibos with freshly boiled water, add the ginger, a squeeze of lemon and stir in the honey. Leave to cool, strain and taste and adjust the lemon and honey to your taste. Pour into lolly moulds, top with lolly sticks and freeze until solid. Should be about 8 or 10 lollies depending on the size of your moulds.

Gingerbread Chai Latte ( two mugs )

Brew Gingerbread Chai in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. You can do this on the hob, in a teapot or just in a mug. However you brew the tea, you will need to strain it into a couple of mugs when ready to serve. Add sugar or honey to the warmed milk and whisk quickly until it's all nice and frothy, then pour onto your strained chai and sprinkle with cinnamon. Gingernuts on the side are optional but highly recommended. Sit back and enjoy!